Time...Where has it gone? I blinked, and 2014 is a thing of the past. I am sure those of you who have followed my blog for a while would have noticed the sporadic and infrequent nature of posts in 2014. I ask myself why, and the answer is a simple one. Life. Life got in the way. I think it is only natural to reflect on the past, in an attempt to glean some pearls of wisdom from experiences lived, mistakes made, and lessons learnt. I find myself doing this at the start of every new year.
When I look back at 2014, it is with a sigh of relief that I put it behind me. I have always been an optimist, looking for the silver linings, 'cups-half-full' instead of 'cups-half-empty', even when situations seem a little dismal. But hand on heart...2014 was my hardest year yet. And for so many reasons. One of my biggest challenges this year was adapting to life as a working mum. Suddenly my days turned into a huge juggling act of 'to-do-lists'! Going back to work has meant that I've had to practise the skill of prioritising, and being the optimist I am, I always aim to achieve everything and more on that list. It has been exhausting! Not to mention the feelings of guilt when you can't do it all! It has been full of challenges on so many levels, many of a very personal nature too, and all I say is that I have felt myself being dragged by a strong current in a sea of 'trying to keep head above water'. But, there is a silver lining...I have learnt so much, about myself, my strengths, my weaknesses, what really matters, what to hold onto, and what to let go of into the sea of lessons learnt.
As the year drew to a close, I felt a new energy and vigour taking place in my heart, mind and soul. I look forward to 2015, and new, fresh beginnings. What I have learnt, and what I will endeavour to listen to in 2015 is this...
Worth holding on to...
NOTHING can separate me from the love of The One who created me, formed my innermost being, and Who carries me through every storm I face...
Family first. Period. Guard your home with love, respect, forgiveness, laughter, and invest in the importance of spending time together. Family matters.
Let it go...
Let some things go...You can't control or change the past. Let the hurt go, let the anger go. Choose happiness today.
Stop people pleasing. I can't please everyone...After all, I am not a jar of Nutella! I need to be kinder to myself. Loving others does not mean that I have to give power to the opinions they have of me. Just because someone says or thinks so, does not make it so. Full stop.
The people who want to be in your life, will be. And if they don't, you'll know. That is okay. Let it go.
Choose well. Live well. Love more. Stress less.
I look forward to 2015! Yes I do!
I'll leave you with a few pictures of our Christmas at home. I enjoyed every minute, although it has been a crazy busy time! Here too, a lesson learned... Simplify.
I hope that 2015 will be kind to you.
